FLOWER displays will welcome shoppers back to Middlewich as the town gets back on its feet.

Hanging baskets and flower filled troughs will brighten up the town centre and businesses won't have to foot the bill.

Middlewich Town Council agreed to take on full responsibility for the annual floral displays earlier this year but has faced problems due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Previously, this task had been carried out by the voluntary community pride group in partnership with the council and Middlewich Vision.

This year, the same level of planting was due to go ahead but Covid-19 meant that finding large volumes of plants has been challenging.

However, the council has now secured enough plants to ensure that hanging baskets and filled flower troughs will be installed throughout the town centre including Wheelock Street and Lewin Street.

Flower displays will be put in place this weekend, June 6 and 7.

Knutsford Guardian:

Hanging baskets are being installed throughout the town centre

The council has agreed to waiver the normal fees that businesses pay for the scheme so there will be no charge this year to local businesses for the hanging baskets.

Town clerk Lisa Benskin said: “We hope that residents and visitors alike enjoy seeing the beautiful blooms around the town and the colourful displays help lift moods. We hope that this support will be a small step forward to encouraging people back to the high street as it begins to reopen and get back on its feet.”

READ > How Willowmere staff treated residents to surprise afternoon tea

Hassall Nurseries in Goostrey stepped in to supply sufficient quality plants after the previous supplier was unable to meet the demand.

The council wants to thank Michelle Hassall and her family for completing the order and Chris and the team at Northwich Town Council who have agreed to water the plants throughout the season.

Middlewich Town councillors have agreed that the continuation of the floral scheme is important during this difficult time and wants to ensure that the town remains an attractive place to live in and remains a great place to visit when restrictions begin to lift.